Smartphone leaker Evan Blass (@evleaks) has posted up a photo of the front of the Google Pixel XL and you know, it looks a lot like the Google Pixel. The larger Pixel XL doesn’t look any different from the front other than size but the leak is starting to fuel excitement for Google’s October 4th even where the devices are expected to be announced. If the rumor mill is correct, Google is planning on thinking different with the Pixel and Pixel XL. First off, the price points will be much higher than their previous Nexus line, starting at $649 for the smaller device which puts the Google devices closer to Samsung and Apple pricing than ever before.

Google Pixel, the smaller of the two devices, was first detailed under its Sailfish codename by Android Police in June. That report said the phone would have a 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core 2.0GHz 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 2770 mAh battery, a 12MP rear camera, and an 8MP front camera. The report also said users could expect a top-mounted headphone jack, a fingerprint scanner on the rear (à la Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P), and a USB-C port on the bottom. The Google Pixel XL will sport similar specs, except for a 5.5-inch QHD display and a 3450mAh battery, also according to Android Police.

Google is also said to be taking control of Android with these devices in that the ecosystem may be a little more closed than in their Nexus line. Many believe this is Google’s push to make their hardware more relevant in the eyes of consumers. Google’s Android has a great share of the smartphone marketplace but that is dominated by hardware partners like Samsung, Motorola, and LG. These new phones are being produced by HTC who is hoping for a win here as the company is struggling to keep its footing in the smartphone space.

What do you think of the new Pixel XL? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

About Techaeris

Techaeris was founded in 2013 by Alex Hernandez and covers a spectrum of information related to technology, gaming, entertainment, science, art, photography and life. The mission of Techaeris is to offer honest reporting, unique stories, news coverage, product information and reviews, as well as social interaction with our readers. We strive to remain objective and open minded about technology and label opinion pieces as such. We’re glad you’ve decided to stop by and have a read. We hope you stay, invite some friends, and come back again and again!